Product description

I've left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please. At the urge of her lucky-in-love brother, sixteen-year-old Lily has left a red notebook full of dares on her favourite bookshop shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept. Curious, snarky Dash isn't one to back down from a challenge - and the Book of Dares is the perfect distraction he's been looking for. As they send each other on a scavenger hunt across Manhattan, they're falling for each other on paper. But finding out if their real selves share their on-page chemistry could be their biggest dare yet...'One of the best books I've ever read' - The Guardian on Every Day.

Customer reviews

Funny, romantic and slightly delusional. That was basically the first thought I had when I was reading the book. There were instances were I just couldn't help but laugh and at times feel like they've bummed themselves out too many times. It's probably just part of the deal.
So the book started with Dash finding a red Moleskin notebook at the Strand-a famous bookstore in New York- and sees that inside was a list of passages from other books found at the Strand. So Dash is curious and wants to find out who wrote it, so he searches for them and gets it and leaves clues for the one who owns the notebook. Lily, the owner of the book, did not at all expected someone would even notice the notebook. That's when the exchanges started and both their lives took a turn.

I like the fact that it was set in Christmas being festive and all. There are lots of activities where they can hide their clues from one another. But the truth is that I enjoyed the polarities of their Christmases, where Dash's is something he does not enjoy while Lily anticipates it. The red Moleskin notebook ties these two lives together and they get to know each other. Personally, I think that's great. To be honest, I have better communication skills when written than when I say it. I think there's really a comfort to having the notebook around. And with the notebook, they got to at least know each other. Expectations though.

It was quite hard to go through the novel without thinking that those two will fall in love with each other but only through what they know from the notebook. Expectations are built and you must know how hard that feels! At first I was confused at why exactly would they even want to make it a secret from each other? Are they that introverted or they just like the mystery of it. Sofia was right. It's going to be all in their head.

I felt somehow immersed by the idea of the word exchanges. The dares to me weren't exactly dares. They posed as more like missions so I thought it would be more exciting but it talked mostly about failed Christmases and family, which is not bad but I might've expected a bit more thrill to it than I could've expected. See? So much expectations! Hurts like freakin' heck!

Characters from the book are either borderline crazy or just well, crazy. From cousin Mark, to Boomer, to the crowd of angry moms, the book does definitely serve up quite the diverse mix of people. My favorite would have to be Dash.

I just love Dash's character! I dunno, angst and all, it just got to me like when I say I love CHEESE! HAHA! Lily was adorable, but yes, I hate her Shrilly-ness. But she is adorable. What really made the book shine is Dash and his relationships really. I honestly love Sofia but I guess you can never have what you want. Again expectations. This book is built on so many of them.

The flow of the story is clear and quick. You are taken from the pre-Christmas days up to Christmas day itself to New Years with not much of the hassle. It's not really that fast-paced but just right. It's the matter of how you appreciate the characters in each situation that would get you continuing on reading.

I love New York and I think setting it up on Manhattan and all the other related places just complemented the hustle and bustle of some of the scenes. I'd really love to visit the Strand. David and Rachel giving us an imaginative tour (I haven't been there), proved my desperation to go there when I get rich and make it big.

The writing style is exactly how I predicted David and Rachel will handle it. David would be the guy's perspective and Rachel will be the girls. I did notice hints of David's obsession with words through Dash. I really love the fact that this book was rather unplanned for, which is also quite noticeable on the unforced takes on the conversations and situations. What I really appreciate about this book is that there is less swearing and it's fluffier in context than Nick and Norah.

I think every book that you'd ever read will prove to be something that could send your hopes high or drop it down like a hot potato. There is a wonderful feeling to the ending of the book though assurances could never be made. I really liked how they ended it and I wish there could've been more to be honest.

Well this is certainly one to warm the soul. A very sweet festive treat that will take you away on an exciting journey.

I have to say when I read the synopsis I thought it sounded good and I wasn't wrong. I liked the excitement and anticipation each step in the notebook took. It was very imaginative and I enjoyed every bit. Definitely one to read around Christmas, it only enhances the festive cheer. I got quite caught up with all the drama surrounding the notebook.

I thought the story flowed nicely and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to the two main characters Dash & Lily - who I adored! They seemed so real and I felt a connection with each of them. They each had their own quirks and flaws and this only made them more endearing to the reader. I think Lily just pipped the post as my favourite character, I thought she was fun and adorable. I really liked the addition of the family and friends, they all played their part in the story and not a character was wasted.

I loved the colourful descriptions in this book, I could certainly picture the scenery and the characters; this made it seem even more realistic. I've never been to New York, let alone Christmas time in New York. Now I definitely want to experience Christmas in New York! I certainly want to make my own snarly muppet.......... :P

I liked that this book is written by the two authors, Rachel Cohn wrote from the POV of Lily and David Levithan wrote the POV of Dash, you could hear the two different character voices.

My only criticism is that I wished the story had been longer as I could not get enough! So on this note yes I do indeed recommend this book, but to make it feel even more special you need to read it near Christmas.

** Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for supplying me with a review copy**

Honestly? I loved everything about this book. It's fresh, it's funny and it's different. I mean, the idea of leaving a small red moleskine in the middle of the most famous bookstore in New York that is full of dares and puzzles? Brilliant!
If I was younger (and not married) I would do it in a heartbeat. The adventures and the possibilities are so many that I have my head spinning just thinking about it.

To be honest there's no much to tell without giving spoilers away. And you don't need that, right? So let's say the basics.

Dash and Lily: Best couple ever... not. It's the truth. They are so different that I'm sure that under normal circumstances they would never have become friends.
But that's the beauty about this book, you know? To see two different people share their lives, their likes and dislikes only to influence the other in a good way.
Lily is sweet, naive and at times very innocent which is why sometimes she may get on your nerves. But don's despair, Dash's way of talking will keep you around easily. He is clever, an smart-ass and full of dimension.

The plot: Simple yet different. I enjoyed every second of it. What I most liked was to walk around New York with them.

Supporting characters: Best crew ever! No kidding here, Lily's brother and in fact most of her family, are the perfect support for this innocent girl. And they are weird and fun.
As for Dash's side just let me tell you, he has one of the most loyal, crazy and strange friends ever. I one want of those for myself right now!

The style: It's the first time I read a book written by two authors and honestly, I'm very, very pleased. Since Rachel wrote Lily's chapters and David wrote Dash's I got to feel and to understand the way both characters thought without missing anything.

The ending: Although I liked it I have to make a confession... I missed something. There was a tiny knot that the authors never got to wrap properly, at least for me, and it bothers me a little.
Saying that I assure you that the main plot was tied nicely. And a quick recommendation? Read this book during Christmas's break, it will give the book a whole new level and you will enjoy it even more. Specially if you add hot chocolate.

Review quote

"'It was impossible not to have a huge, satisfied smile on my face at the end.' YA Crush"